Chaos, Charm & Candid Moments

Kids at weddings. They’re either twirling on the dance floor like miniature pros or raiding the canapé table like it’s a free-for-all buffet. Either way, they bring a wild card energy that I absolutely love capturing. As a Yorkshire wedding photographer specialising in candid and documentary-style storytelling, I’ve spent over a decade honing my approach to photographing children—because let’s be honest, they don’t always follow the script.

Capturing Kids At Weddings



We are absolutely blown away by the photos Sarah captured of our little whirlwind! We can never get a decent candid shot of him—he’s either a blur, pulling a face, or running in the opposite direction. But somehow, she’s managed to bottle up his personality perfectly.

 

Photographing Kids The Fun Way

The Two Types of Kids At Weddings

In my experience, children at weddings fall into two camps. There are the quiet, wide-eyed observers—the ones clutching onto their parents, hiding behind chair legs, and offering me shy, fleeting glances. Then, there are the free spirits, the ones who see a wedding as an adventure playground, running at full speed, usually with a slightly stressed-out relative in pursuit. My job? To blend in, become one of them, and capture both personalities authentically.

For the quieter kids, I take a patient approach, letting them warm up to the camera. I crouch down to their level, chat about their favourite things, and give them space. No forced grins, no awkward poses—just natural, organic moments. For the high-energy ones? I match their pace. I get involved, run alongside them, anticipate their unpredictable bursts of energy, and snap away. The result? A collection of storytelling images that feel spontaneous and full of life.

Keeping Kids Entertained At Weddings

Want incredible photos of children at your wedding? Keep them entertained. Bored kids = grumpy photos. Simple. I always recommend having some form of entertainment—a professional children’s entertainer, a magician, or even a designated play area. Garden games are a winner. Giant Jenga, ring toss, or even a mini treasure hunt keep them engaged and provide perfect photo opportunities. And if there’s a confetti cannon involved? Even better.

My Secret? I Become One of Them

The best way to capture the spirit of children at weddings is to stop treating them like they’re just another wedding guest. I dive into their world. I joke with them, pull silly faces, and let them take the lead. They see me less as a photographer and more as an ally in their fun, which means I get those genuine, unfiltered reactions—giggles, wide-eyed wonder, and those cheeky, mischievous grins.

The Final Result – Candid, Documentary-Style Magic

Even with all the fun and chaos, I’m always looking for something a little different—something beyond the usual “kids being cute” shots. My approach isn’t just about snapping away; it’s about seeking out those quirky compositions, playing with light, and using my camera techniques to create images that feel unique and artistic. Maybe it’s a reflection in a puddle, the glow of golden-hour light catching a child mid-giggle, or a perfectly framed moment of mischief. Every wedding is a new playground for creativity, and I love pushing myself to find those unexpected, storytelling shots that make each gallery stand out.


By the time I leave a wedding, I usually have a gallery full of kids being, well… kids. And that’s exactly what makes the images so special. No forced posing, no awkward stiffness—just pure, unfiltered joy.

And Finally

If you’re planning a wedding and want those incredible, natural moments of the little guests just being themselves, let’s chat. I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to blend in, have fun, and capture it all—one mischievous grin at a time.

If you want to enquire about me shooting your wedding please click the say hello below.

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